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PHOTO | ASHLEY MAHONEY

The Charlotte Independence fired head coach Jim McGuinness, center, after a 1-7-6 start, the worst in team history. General manager Mike Jefferies, left, will return to the sideline as McGuinness' replacement.

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The Charlotte Independence fired coach Jim McGuinness six months after he was hired.

Former head coach and current general manager Mike Jeffries will replace McGuinness, known in Ireland for his Gaelic football success. McGuinness was the Jacks’ second head coach in franchise history.

Charlotte went 1-7-6 under McGuinness in USL Championship, who sit 17th in the Eastern Conference with nine points, the worst start in club history.

“Jim McGuinness has improved our club in many ways, including bringing talent to our roster and instituting new training methodologies – both of which we hope to continue moving forward,” Independence President Jim McPhilliamy said in a statement. “As a club, our performance is measured on the pitch and collectively, we’ve fallen short. On behalf of ownership, front office and team, the Charlotte Independence organization thanks Coach McGuinness for his service to the club.”

The Independence lost 5-4 on penalty kicks to lower-tier UPSL side Florida Soccer Soldiers in Open Cup on May 14, McGuinness’ final home match.

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